We are fortunate to have two fine carvings by Qaqaq Ashoona, representing both his early and late work. Pictured above and to the left is a monumental female shaman. This is an early work by Qaqaq (Kaka) Ashoona, probably from the 1960s and not later than 1973. The figure's bared teeth are a hallmark of early work by Qaqaq, a feature that appears in very few other artists' work. The flowing braids and large hands prefigure his later works. (See the Sedna below, whose hands, carved about 20 years later, are almost identical to those of this figure.) In addition, the majestic woman has a small walrus -- a helping spirit -- perched on top of her head, telling us that she was a shaman.
Qaqaq was a first-generation artist from Ikirasak, an outpost camp on South Baffin Island who became based out of Cape Dorset. Qaqaq maintained a traditional lifestyle on the land while simultaneously producing a substantial artistic legacy; although a prolific carver, he still self-identified as a hunter. Preferring to remain away from town, Qaqaq would travel seasonally to Cape Dorset to sell his carvings and would occasionally live in the community.
He only used hand-carving tools to produce his pieces, expressing a fear of injuring himself with electric tools. The hallmark of his sculpture is the combination of heavy, compact and free flowing forms.
Qaqaq's work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and is housed in numerous major collections including the National Gallery of Canada, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal and the Canadian Museum of History.
